April 15, 2021

Detroit Tigers — Up three in the eighth and facing the top of the Astros order, AJ Hinch turned to Gregory Soto, perhaps hoping that the 26-year-old could get a six-out save. But Soto loaded the bases (error, walk, hit) and even an inning-ending double play couldn’t get him a shot at the ninth — that was left, for some reason, for Jose Cisnero, whose two appearances earlier in the week each involved earned runs. Cisnero loaded the bases as quickly as possible, daring Bryan Garcia to really earn a save, and wouldn’t you know it, the youngster stepped up, striking out two around a flyout — and even throwing in a walk to keep Cisnero’s ER streak alive. It’s the little things. There’s nothing remotely solid here, but we like Garcia to get the next shot after a performance like that. 
 
Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Soto | Farmer.
* = closer-by-committee

Boston Red Sox — In Wednesday’s opener, 24-year-old Darwinzon Hernandez picked up his second straight hold directly in front of Matt Barnes. It looks like Alex Cora trusts Hernandez over Hirokazu Sawamura at this point.

Updated hierarchy: Barnes | Ottavino | Hernandez.

Kansas City Royals — Josh Staumont’s immediate return from the injured list suggests a brief brush with COVID-19 that did not involve a positive test. He looked none the worse for wear, delivering two scoreless innings to pick up a hold.

Updated hierarchy: *Holland | Staumont | Zimmer.
* = closer-by-committee

Toronto Blue Jays — As Toronto waits to see how serious Julian Merryweather’s left oblique strain will be, Rafael Dolis picked up a win after pitching the ninth in a tie game. Jordan Romano is likely to see any Thursday save chance.

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Mayza.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Sean Newcomb/AJ Minter (ATL) — Will Smith has pitched in four of five. Newcomb pitched yesterday, while Minter has had two days off.
2. Kendall Graveman (SEA) — Rafael Montero has pitched in three of five, plus Seattle has a doubleheader today.
3. Richard Bleier/Dylan Floro (MIA) — Yimi Garcia has gone in two of three.
4. Trevor May (NYM) — Edwin Diaz has pitched on two straight days.
5. Adam Ottavino (BOS) — So has Matt Barnes.

Friday:
1. Buck Farmer/Alex Lange (DET) — Soto and Garcia (and Cisnero) have been used a lot recently, which could present an opportunity for one of these two.